After a 30 year absence I decided to build another N scale layout. It all started when I saw an old transformer at Goodwill for 3 bucks. The next day I picked up some code 80 flex track, a box of cork, 3 sheets of 4' x 2' press board and got to work: As you can see there are some low radius curves so I am going with suitable rolling stock. An Atlas GP-9 Phase II was chosen as my first loco. All rolling stock will consist of short cars only. So far I picked up 2 small hoppers and am going to acquire some beer can tankers and some ore cars: 3 days later and my main line is laid out. I also started marking roads and some street lights. Next up is adding some turnouts and the elevated line that will run along the back of the layout:
I picked up 6 Model Power brass St. lamps. The lampshades melted after a few minutes (voltage was too strong) so I came up with a quick fix. I used some clear thumbtacks and turned them into shades and so far these don't melt: I sanded down the tops a bit and added a small washers at the bottom. The lamps are smaller than the originals and they look more like the modern style fake gas lamps. I turned down the voltage to give the bulbs a lower kelvin look. The camera I am using just can not capture it at all. If anyone wants to make a dim-able DC power adapter all you need to do is take a total variable fan-motor speed control made for ceiling fans and tap it into one of the AC leads going to any AC-DC adapter. You can actually make a DC train transformer this way but I never tried it.
I had some track left over after building the elevated section so I decided I am going to add another line along the bottom edge. Here are a few pics:
Going to start doing the elevated bridge detailing next and laying out the roads next. Hope you all like my progress so far! Please feel free to post your comments, suggestions, etc...
Thanks! I am excited to be back in the hobby again. This layout is going to have plenty of night lighting.
